Ultra-secure DRM extends programmable single-chip interfacing solution for handheld products

Proprietary semiconductor fabrication technology ensures that secret keys embedded into the device are effectively immune to reverse engineering, providing an ideal solution for securing digital media in a range of fast-growing consumer electronics applications such as portable media players, smart phones, and navigation devices.

A typical solution that QuickLogic envisages for applications like this might see a cryptographic function such as AES encryption combined with USB 2.0 OTG and SD memory controller interfaces. Further cryptographic functions available in QuickLogic's library include hashing functions, DES and Triple DES. Keylengths as long as 256 bits, or more, may be embedded securely into a device. Other forms of DRM such as CPRM can be added to the library quickly.

This ability to provide DRM security combined with other functions means that major real-estate and bill-of-material cost savings can be made by developers of handheld products compared with dedicated DRM ICs, or volatile forms of programmable logic that require separate SRAM configuration devices and a backup battery. Package choices for QuickLogic's programmable platforms include 6 x 6 mm BGA.

QuickLogic offers a range of innovative platforms for use with embedded systems processors, offering technology ranging from low power programmable logic fabric, to logic combined with dedicated functions. These programmable platforms allow the creation of types of devices that QuickLogic terms Customer Specific Standard Products or CSSPs. CSSP combines the proven functionality of application specific standard products, with the customer-specific functionality of ASICs, to deliver solutions that meet integration and customisation requirements within days rather than months.

All of the logic on these devices is implemented using the company's unique ViaLink programmable metal-to-metal interconnect. With ViaLink, circuit connections are fabricated vertically, rather than on a planar layer. This means that reverse engineering techniques aimed at understanding a device by 'unpeeling' it layer by layer, are ineffective.

Alternatively, it's possible to slice vertically through a device and then use a FIB (focused ion beam) tool to view the connectivity. However, a typical QuickLogic device has millions of fuses, each one of which would require probably multiple cuts and views. The likelihood of being able to make all these cuts successfully without damage, combined with the enormous amount of time required, is infinitesimally small.

The secure nature of QuickLogic's fabrication process means that its technology has been used in many sensitive defence related applications, and QuickLogic has a strong security chain in place to protect secret keys during device manufacturing.